# bir

> currency of Ethiopia

**Wikidata**: [Q206243](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206243)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_birr)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bir

## Summary
The **birr** (also called the Ethiopian dollar or ETB) is the currency of Ethiopia, introduced in 1945. It replaced the East African shilling and is also used in Eritrea, where it is known as the nakfa. The birr is a key economic indicator for Ethiopia, reflecting its historical and political ties to the region.

## Key Facts
- The birr was introduced in 1945, replacing the East African shilling.
- It is also used in Eritrea, where it is called the nakfa.
- The birr is the official currency of Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa.
- Ethiopia has had multiple political entities, including the Ethiopian Empire (1270–1974), the Derg (1974–1987), and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (since 1987).
- The birr is classified as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services.
- The birr is related to silver, a chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47.

## FAQs
**What is the birr?**
The birr is the official currency of Ethiopia, introduced in 1945 to replace the East African shilling. It is also used in Eritrea, where it is called the nakfa.

**When was the birr introduced?**
The birr was introduced in 1945, replacing the East African shilling.

**Is the birr used in any other countries?**
Yes, the birr is also used in Eritrea, where it is called the nakfa.

**What is the relationship between the birr and the nakfa?**
The birr and the nakfa are the same currency, with the nakfa being the birr used in Eritrea.

**What is the history of Ethiopia's currency?**
Ethiopia's currency has evolved over time, with the birr replacing the East African shilling in 1945. The country has had multiple political entities, including the Ethiopian Empire, the Derg, and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

## Why It Matters
The birr is a critical economic indicator for Ethiopia, reflecting the country's historical and political ties to the Horn of Africa. Its introduction in 1945 marked a shift from the East African shilling, aligning Ethiopia's currency with its regional context. The birr's use in Eritrea further underscores its regional significance, as both countries share economic and political connections. As Ethiopia's official currency, the birr plays a vital role in trade, finance, and economic stability within the country and beyond.

## Notable For
- The birr was introduced in 1945, replacing the East African shilling.
- It is also used in Eritrea, where it is called the nakfa.
- The birr is classified as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services.
- Ethiopia has had multiple political entities, including the Ethiopian Empire, the Derg, and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

## Body
### Currency Overview
The birr is the official currency of Ethiopia, introduced in 1945 to replace the East African shilling. It is also used in Eritrea, where it is called the nakfa. The birr is classified as a generally accepted medium of exchange for goods and services, reflecting its role in Ethiopia's economy.

### Historical Context
Ethiopia's currency has evolved over time, with the birr replacing the East African shilling in 1945. The country has had multiple political entities, including the Ethiopian Empire (1270–1974), the Derg (1974–1987), and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (since 1987). These political changes have influenced Ethiopia's economic policies, including its currency system.

### Regional Significance
The birr's use in Eritrea highlights its regional significance. The Federation of Ethiopia and Eritrea (1952–1962) further underscored the shared economic and political ties between the two countries. The birr's presence in Eritrea reflects this historical and economic connection.

### Related Entities
The birr is related to silver, a chemical element with the symbol Ag and atomic number 47. Ethiopia's political history includes the Ethiopian Empire, the Derg, and the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The birr's introduction in 1945 marked a shift from the East African shilling, aligning Ethiopia's currency with its regional context.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GF WordNet